For thrill-seekers eager to experience the latest attractions at the Pima County Fair, a wrench has been thrown in their plans — literally. The much-anticipated “Overdrive” ride, initially set to debut this year, won't make it to the fairgrounds due to the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse. Chris Lopez, Vice President of Ray Cammack Shows, the carnival provider, revealed that the logistics hiccup occurred as the new ride awaited departure from the port. "When that happened, other supplies and containers take precedence. So although it wasn’t stuck or even on the water yet, it was backed up to things that needed to be delivered in the wake and in the shadow of that tragedy," Lopez explained in a statement obtained by ABC15 News.

Despite the setback, fair officials affirm that the event, spanning from April 18 to April 28, will still feature over 55 rides and attractions, 45 games, and 30 food stands. Lopez emphasized that while the absence of “Overdrive” is disappointing, the RCS team aims to rapidly ramp up the excitement with existing offerings. Moreover, future plans to compensate for the delay have already been hinted at, with Lopez assuring, "You’ll actually have two new rides next year," including both the “Overdrive” and an unnamed coaster from Europe, according to KGUN 9.

The bridge collapse in Baltimore has impacted various supply chains, emphasizing the interconnected nature of modern logistics. For Tucson's Pima County Fair, the ripple effects were felt keenly with the postponement of their headliner ride. RCS, which has been providing carnival services to the fair for over four decades, is no stranger to the unexpected, yet handles such challenges with a mix of pragmatism and forward-looking excitement. A telling quote from Lopez, "It’s gonna be spinning around very fast and the cars, the gondolas, the cars that you’re in spin the opposite direction," reveals the nature of the missed attraction but also teases what awaits fairgoers in 2025.

While this year's fair will miss the debut of the "Overdrive," RCS's promise of double the new thrills next year aims to turn that upside down. As Lopez told KGUN 9, guests can look forward to not just the "Himalaya-style ride" but also an additional coaster, making the next year's fair a much-anticipated event.